As a kid, I got so annoyed with my mother, Irene, always yakking, “If you don’t have your health, nothing else matters.” I’d wait 10 seconds and my dad, Vern, would pipe in, “And it doesn’t hurt to have a bunch of money in the bank.”
Now, many years later, I’ve had a taste of both. Over the last six years, I’ve had a LAD heart attack, two back surgeries and a hip replacement. In fact, I go in for a second hip replacement in December. I’m thinking, “Gosh mom, you may have dished out some wisdom in your yakking.”
On the other end of my parental guidance, Vern also had a point. I’ve been broke a few times. It changes your priorities. It causes emotional pain. Presently, I experience a level of wealth that many do not attain. An abundance of wealth takes a number of issues off the table.
This is what I’ve found to be the bottom line. Today, my physical condition is quite limited. I have chronic pain. I can’t hike except to the bathroom. Yet, I can do many things that bring me joy.
On the other hand, I have a measure of wealth which allows me to do stuff I only dreamed of in my younger years. Yet, wealth comes with responsibility. How do I use it to serve others?
So, at 74, do I think the ultimate parental wisdom rested with Vern or Irene? An easy way out would be to say, do the best you can with what you have.
Yet, truth be told, I’ve been accused of being a momma’s boy. I’d take health over wealth any day of the week.